Consumers are looking for health solutions that match what
they seek for themselves, said Derek J. Archambault, director
of marketing, pet and retail, for FoodScience Corp. in Williston,
Vt. The market is flush with products that heed this call.

American Pet Nutrition has included its WellBoost formula,
which is made with USDA certified organic seaweed, in its
Supreme Source branded grain-free dog and cat dry recipes.
The seaweed is a rich source of nutrients and prebiotics to
help promote pet digestion, said Matt Keller, brand manager
of Supreme Source for Ogden, Utah-based American Pet
Nutrition.

Sourced from the waters of
Nova Scotia and sun-dried, the
seaweed is blended into Supreme
Source pet foods, adding a
powerful antioxidant to promote
health, longevity and digestion,
assist in supporting intestinal
health, and boost the overall
immune system, Keller said.

American Pet Nutrition’s
grain- and potato-free Elevate
dry dog food features highly
digestible protein and real meat,
a blend of antioxidants to support
the immune system and healthy
digestion, as well as betaine, a
product of the natural crystals
extracted from sugar beets
to support healthier digestion
by reducing the effects of a
dysfunctional gut and intestinal
infections, Keller added.

“The formula is made withthree canine-specific strainsand contains 5 billion CFUs (colony forming units) includingLactobacillus brevis, which balances out the body’s good andbad gut bacteria,” Pierre said.The prebiotic and probiotic powder is commonly used as adaily digestive supplement to keep a pet’s systems balanced,particularly a dog prone to getting into human food or othernonfood items that can stress their delicate system, Pierresaid.“Some pet owners rely on the Iconic Paws prebiotic andprobiotic powder for an anxious pet, as anxiety can lead tostomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea,” Pierre added.Under the Weather recently unveiled an improved line offreeze-dried bland diets. The formula contains electrolytes,which help to maintain hydration in dogs experiencingvomiting or diarrhea, as well as healthful levels of minerals,said Kyla Sternlieb, founder and president of the SouthBurlington, Vt.-based company.The recipes are made with cage-free white meat chickenand turkey, free-range beef hamburger and bison, andwild-caught salmon. All ingredients are USA sourced andmanufactured, Sternlieb said.

The freeze-dried ingredients have a three-year shelf life,
making it possible for pet owners to store the product in their
cupboards until the next time their dog needs a bland diet.